Purification Spring Cleaning Rituals

Winter’s chill is behind us; it is time to open your dwelling house to the freshness of spring.  Open your doors and windows wide so that the old, stale winter air is pushed out and replaced by the fresh, clean air of spring. Take a moment and breathe in the sweet spring air as it swirls around your house. Now is the time to begin “Spring Cleaning”.   

The Power of Spring Cleanings

What is “Spring Cleaning”?  Throughout your life, your mother and grandmother have touted the benefits of a fresh start, and a clean slate. And with regard to magic, why is it so important to cleanse and purify? And why does Art of the Root have so many candles, kits, oils and products centered around purification and cleansing? 

The importance of purifying your mind, body, soul and space prior to performing a magical spell or ritual cannot be overstated. To that end, this article will give some history behind the concept of Spring Cleaning, along with a purification ritual. 

History of Cleansing Rituals 

Purification and Cleansing rituals have a long history. Cleansing and purifying remove negative energy, impurities, and obstacles, promote well-being, and foster spiritual growth. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used various purification practices, often using rituals involving water, herbs, and incantations to purify body and soul. The concept of cleaning is also biblical. Both rue and hyssop are referred to in the Old Testament. They are some of the most effective herbs for removing negative energy. Purification and cleansing rituals continue to be used today. They are practiced in various ways, including smudging with sage or other sacred herbs, ritual baths with salts or essential oils, and ceremonial cleansings using sound vibrations or energy work. These rituals are often performed during significant life events, such as when moves into a new home, weddings, births, or spiritual initiations, as well as in daily or seasonal practices to maintain harmony and balance.

Purification Ingredients and Recipe 

At Art of the Root, we hand-make lots of cleansing and purification products including Cleansing Wash, Chinese Floor Wash, Purification Wash, Purification Oil, Psychic Cleansing Oil, Purification Candles of all sizes and we even have a Cleansing Pure & Natural Ritual Kit. All these products are handmade to order, and they are wonderful!   

You can, however, make a cleansing/purifying floor and body wash with easy to obtain ingredients.  To make this wash you will need: 

*Large stock pot and stove 

*About 3 or 4 gallons of clean purified water (Spring water is great if you have it) 

*Strainer 

*Large non-breakable bowl 

*A very clean or new mop bucket along with a very clean or new mop 

*All-natural, gentle, skin safe unscented soap, 1-2 cups (liquid Castile soap is a good choice)  

* 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

*Fresh Herbs Including (You can use dry herbs if that is all you can get): 

• Rue 

• Hyssop 

• Basil 

• Rosemarry 

*A White Candle   

How to Perform a Purification Cleansing Ritual

First, put the stock pot on the stove and add about 4 quarts of the water.  Add all the herbs to the water and bring the pot to a gentle boil.  Once the pot begins to boil, turn the heat down to a low simmer.  Let the herbs simmer together in the pot for about 15 to 20 minutes.  After that time, turn off the heat and let the pot cool.  

When the pot and its contents are cool, use the strainer and separate the herbs from the water.  Strain the herbal water into the large non-breakable bowl.  (Discard the boiled herbs by taking them out the backdoor and sprinkling them in the back yard).  Now add the lemon juice and gentle soap to the herbal water and gently stir – try not to make bubbles.  Once mixed, this is the base for both the floor wash, and the body wash.   

Pour ¾ of the wash mixture into the mop bucket and add a gallon or so of purified water (be sure to save some clean water for your body rinse).  This is the house cleansing wash.  The rest of the mixture, in the unbreakable bowl, is the body wash.  Set the body wash aside because you will not use it until after your house is thoroughly cleaned.  

Begin cleaning the house by starting in the back and working towards the front.  If your home has 2 stories, start cleaning on the top floor and move down toward the first floor. Your goal is to move all the dirt, including psychic dirt, toward the front door, and then out the front door. After all the gunk is out of your home go ahead and wipe down the front door and frame and wipe down your windowsills. Take the water left in the mop pail and dump it out the back door.  

Now that your home is clean, it's time to clean yourself. You will need the left-over wash in the non-breakable bowl, some fresh water, and the white candle. A shower is fine for this wash; or stand in the bathtub if that is all you have.   

Begin by exhaling as you enter the wash area.  Before washing, take a few deep breaths and with each exhale imagine your troubles dissipating. It is OK to dilute your wash base with some of the spring water, just be sure you save enough clean water to rinse off your body.  Because we want our troubles to go “down the drain”, start cleansing yourself by washing your head. Wash yourself in downward strokes, toward your feet.  As you are washing visualize all your troubles leaving your body.  Now it's time to rinse.  Again, start rinsing your head and work your way down your body.  Watch the water make way for a fresh start as your troubles go down the drain.   

Once you are clean and rinsed, light the white candle and recite the Psalm 51 or the prayer of your choice: 

“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”  

Air dry your body if you can.  After you complete this ritual, you are ready to manifest!